Finishing apparatus having horizontal curvilinear chamber



Sept. 10, 1968 G. W. BALZ SHINE APPARATUS HAVING HORIZONTAL CURVILINEAR CHAMBER FINI 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 27, 1964 a! {Z 0 n e J M w G G w. BALZ 3,400,495

APPARATUS HAVING HORIZONTAL CURVILINEAR CHAMBER Sept. 10, 1968 FINISHING Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 27, 1964 P 1968 G. w. BALZ 3,400,495

FINISHING APPARATUS HAVING HORIZONTAL CURVILINEAR CHAMBER Filed Nov. 27, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent 3,400,495 FINISHING APPARATUS HAVING HORIZONTAL CURVILINEAR CHAMBER Gunther W. Balz, Kalamazoo, Mich., assignor to Roto- Finish Company, Kalamazoo, Micl1., a corporation of Michigan Filed Nov. 27, 1964, Ser. No. 414,101 43 Claims. (Cl. 51163) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A finishing machine is provided having a chamber in the form of a horizontal trough curvilinearly arranged as for example in annular form. A vertically mounted unbalanced motor is operatively affixed to the trough to produce gyratory vibrational motion about a vertical axis causing the parts and a finishing material placed in the trough to vibrate orbitally and to move linearly in the trough, causing the parts to 'be finished. An elevator duct is placed in the trough to remove the mixture, separate and discharge the parts, and return the finishing material to the trough.

The present invention relates to finishing machines, and is more particularly concerned with a finishing machine having a curvilinear and preferably annular construction whereby the finishing medium and parts or work pieces to be finished are subjected to orbital finishing motion and simultaneously transported linearly to a separation zone, whereby the finishing medium is automatically separated from the finished parts, and whereby the parts are automatically discharged upon the completion of a desired finishing operation without the necessity for rotating, inverting, or otherwise moving the finishing apparatus or a housing thereof.

Finishing machines may be of several different types. With regard to the mode of operation, there are tumbling type machines and vibratory type machines, the latter being a finishing machine in which a vibration generating means, e.g., a rotary motor provided with eccentric members, is employed for imparting alternating waves of energy to a finishing, e.g., abrading, chamber for moving a mass of finishing media and unfinished parts therein. 'In addition, self-separating vibratory finishing machines are now available which employ integral toraminous members for automatically separating finishing media from finished parts upon rotation of a housing from a finishing position to a transfer position. When so rotated, the finishing media flows through openings in the foraminous member and is deposited in a storage chamber whereas the finished parts are discharged from the housing or transferred to a succeeding stage, depending upon whether the device is a single or multistage construction. Such devices and other advanced types of vibratory finishing devices are exemplified by those disclosed and claimed in US. Patents 3,073,078, 3,073,079, 3,073,080, 3,073,069, 3,073,082, 3,073,081, 3,093,940 and 3,071,900.

Although the apparatus disclosed and claimed in the above-enumerated patents accomplishes the desired results including finishing, separation, and medium return to a satisfactory degree, all of the self-separating devices 3,400,495 Patented Sept. 10, 1968 have the limitation that, in order to separate the finishing medium and discharge the finished parts, the entire housing or abrading chamber of the apparatus must be rotated or tilted through a substantial arc. The need for additional equipment to accomplish this rotation materially increases the cost of the apparatus and in some cases also places restrictive limits on the size of the apparatus. It would therefore be highly desirable to have available a device in which separation of finishing material from finished parts after a completed work cycle and return of the finishing material to the finishing chamber of the device could be effected without rotation of elevation of a housing or finishing chamber and with a minimum of unnecessary motion and energy.

When the same or different type parts are to be finished, it is sometimes necessary or desirable that different sizes or types of finishing media be employed. Moreover, it is periodically necessary to replace spent finishing material. With some existing vibratory finishing machines, to discharge media, it is necessary to rotate the housing or finishing chamber to dump the finishing media therefrom. In certain self-separating finishing machines, a recloseable opening is provided in the storage chamber through which the finishing media may be discharged by appropriate rotation of the housing. Although satisfactory, the down-time involved in changing the finishing media in self-separating finishing machines reduces the utility factor thereof since a container must be placed below or in front of the housing, the housing must be rotated and/or vibrated in order to discharge the finishing media into the container, and the filled container must be removed, the opening reclosed, and the device recharged with fresh medium before the finishing machine can be operated. In other so-called multistage devices, various grades of finishing medium are employed in different chambers, but at a minium a rotation of the chamber is required to convey the parts to be finished from one chamber to the other. It would be desirable, therefore to provide a finishing machine whereby a first grade of finishing medium could be automatically separated from the parts to be finished and each successive grade of finishing material automatically introduced without the need for discontinuing the operation.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved finishing machine which overcomes the stated disadvantages of existing machines. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved finishing machine from which finishing media and/or finished parts may be quickly and conveniently discharged. It is a further object to provide a finishing machine which accomplishes the above stated objects, including finishing, parts separation, and medium recycle, without the necessity for rotating the machine housing. An additional object is to provide such a machine in which the parts and finishing medium are subjected to vibration not only to effect finishing of the parts, but also to cause the mass of parts and solid finishingmedium to be translated in both a linear and an orbital path by means of the vibrations, whereby the separation of parts and medium is effected in a separation stage after completion of a suitable finishing stage, and whereby the separated medium is returned by means of gravity to the finishing stage of the process. Another object of the invention is the provision of abrading apparatus which is relatively :imple and inexpensive to construct and operate. An additional object of the invention is the provision of apparatus wherein such a process can be conveniently carried out, whether in continuous, batch or semi-continuous, or multistage manner. Anther object is the provision of a novel discharge apparatus adapted for use in conjunction with a substantially horizontally oriented finishing chamber according to the invention. Additional objects and advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art and still other advantages will become apparent hereinafter.

The present invention provides apparatus having a curvilinear and substantially horizontal finishing chamber into which the parts to be finished and the finishing medium are introduced initially. Vibrations are then imparted to the mass in such a manner and direction that localized orbital motion is provided to carry out the finishing process, and a translational motion component is provided which results in the parts and finishing medium being carried in a curvilinear path through the finishing chamber to a discharge zone. At this point the finishing material and parts are caused to be raised in an elevator duct to a separation zone by the force imparted by the upward component of the orbital motion. The parts are then automatically separated from the finishing material and discharged, and the separated finishing material either discharged separately from the device or returned to the starting zone of the process by means of gravity.

The invention in several of its preferred embodiments is illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a finishing machine according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the machine taken at the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken at the line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-section of the apparatus taken at the line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of another embodiment of the i vention.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary top view of the appartus shown in FIG. 5 with the separation sub-assembly removed.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-section taken at the line 7--7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation of the discharge apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of a multi-stage embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary top view of the apparatus of FIG. 9.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings for a better understanding of the invention, wherein all of the parts are numbered and wherein the same numbers are used to refer to corresponding parts throughout.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a finishing machine is shown having a frame 1 comprising a stationary base plate 2. A base plate 3 is spring-mounted on the stationary base plate 2 by means of helical springs 4 which are affixed to the base plate 2 and to the base plate 3 by means of small plates or cups 5 which are suitably afiixed to the base plates.

A curvilinear finishing chamber 6 is mounted on the plate 3 in a substantially horizontal poistion. If desired, the plate 3 may have its central portion cut out. The finishing chamber 6 is shown in FIGS. 1-4 in the form of an annular trough 7 having an arcuate, e.g. semi-cylindrical, bottom. Although the finishing chamber 6 is shown in the drawings in the form of a trough, it may be provided in other forms, as for example, in the form of a tube, tray, etc. However, the form shown in the drawings is preferred. Although not shown, a plurality of transverse or diagonal vanes or bafiles may be positioned at intervals along the trough bottom to assist and dirct the movement of the parts and finishing material.

Mounted on the plate 3 and within the annular trough 7 is a cylindrical supporting frame 8. A vibratory motor 9 is mounted on the frame 8 by means of a mounting plate 10 afiixed to the motor housing and brackets 11 afiixed to the frame 8 at one end and to the plate 10 at the other. A pair of eccentric weights 12 and 13 are mounted one at each end of the motor shaft 90. If desired, only one eccentric weight need be used. However, greater efiiciency may be achieved with two or even more weights.

Within the housing 6 is located a transverse diaphragm or bulkhead 14 separating the finishing chamber into a charge or receiving zone 15 on one side and a discharge zone 16 on the other. For certain applications the diaphragm 14 is preferred, for other applications, it may be dispensed with. The remainder of the chamber comprises a finishing zone 17 including the major proportion of the overall chamber. Mounted at the diaphragm 14 is a discharge apparatus comprising an elevator duct 18, shown in the figure as substantially a vertical tube having a rectangular cross-section, with its lower end 19 defining an entry port positioned within the trough of the finishing chamber below the surface of the mass of the finishing mixture, and in the extra-median (i.e., circumferentially outer) zone of the trough, and with its upper end 20 defining an exit or discharge port positioned above the level of the finishing mixture, and preferably above the top of the trough, as shown in the drawings.

As used herein the term extra-median zone refers to that portion of the finishing chamber which is radially external to an imaginary vertical median plane bisecting the finishing chamber into two substantially equal portions. The term intra-median zone refers to that portion of the finishing chamber radially internal of the imaginary vertical median plane. As a result of the vibrational motion imparted to the finishing chamber, the finishing mixture is caused to travel in an orbit path upwardly directed in the extra-median zone and downwardly directed in the intra-median zone. Greatest lifting efliciency will be realized when the lower end of the elevator duct is placed entirely in the extra-median zone. However, where the utmost efficiency is not required, the lower end of the duct may be placed so that a portion thereof extends into the intra-median zone. In all cases, however, the lower end of the elevator duct should be generally positioned within the extra-median zone. As used herein, the term generally means that a sufilcient portion of the lower end or entry port of the elevator duct should be positioned in the extra-median zone to cause the finishing mixture to rise in the duct.

Afiixed to the upper end of the duct 18 is a separation apparatus 21 comprising a tray 22 having a screen 23 in the bottom thereof, and terminating in a discharge spout 24 for guiding the discharged parts to a suitable receptacle or conveyance.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. l-4 the diaphragm 14 forms the forward wall of the duct 18 and the wall of the chamber 7 forms the side wall of the duct. However, if desired, the duct 18 may be provided with separate walls. This is of course necessary when the diaphragm 14 is dispensed with, as it may be for certain applications.

The finishing machine is operated by charging parts and finishing medium into the receiving zone 15, The vibratory motor 9 is energized and rotates preferably but not necessarily in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1. Because of the relative placement of the eccentric weights 12 and 13, the housing 6 is caused to vibrate and to impart motion to the mixture within the housing. Two components of vibratory motion are produced. The first causes the finishing mixture to move in an orbital path as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2. The second causes the finishing mixture to travel linearly in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1. As the process continues, the orbital motion produces relative motion between the parts and the finishing material, causing the parts to be finished, and the entire mixture moves along the trough to the discharge zone 16. When the mixture reaches the discharge zone primarily the upwardly directed orbital motion in the extra-linear zone, and to a smaller extent the linear motion of the mixture, causes the mixture to be forced into the entrance at the lower end 19 of the elevator duct 18, and to rise upwardly along the duct. The mixture continues to rise until it reaches the discharge .or exit port at the upper end 20 of the elevator duct 18, at which point it is discharged into the screen 23 of the tray 22. The mesh size of the screen is so chosen that the finishing material falls through the screen and returns to the starting zone 15. The parts continue along the screen through the discharge spout 24 where they are discharged.

The elevator duct 18 may be provided in any of a number of different embodiments. In the preferred form it comprises a vertical tube, as shown in FIGS. 14. Alternatively, the tube may be inclined from the vertical. If an inclined tube is used, it may, if desired, be provided with vanes or bafiles to assist the upward movement of the finishing mixture. The tube used as the elevator duct may have a cross-section which is round, elliptical or otherwise ovular, rectangular, or any other geometric form such as hexagonal, octagonal, or the like.

A continuous operation embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5-8. Although not shown, the supporting frame is similar to that shown in FIGS. 14. A continuous annular chamber is mounted about a cylindrical supporting frame 31, which frame supports a vibratory motor 32 by means of a motor plate 33 and mounting brackets 34. A pair of eccentric weights 35 and 36 are mounted at the ends of the motor shaft 37. A detachable separatory apparatus 38 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 clamped to the side wall of the chamber 30, and shown separately in FIG. 8. The apparatus 38 comprises an elevator duct 39, with an optional (not shown) lateral diaphragm attached thereto, a parts discharge trough, tray, or duct 40 adjacent the discharge or exit port at the upper end of duct 39 having a separatory screen 41 mounted in the bottom thereof, and terminating in a spout 42. A screw clamp 43 is affixed to theside of the separatory apparatus 38 and arranged for clamping the apparatus to the side wall of the annular chamber.

For continuous operation the separator apparatus is removed from the chamber 39. Since the chamber 30 is not provided with a diaphragm but has a continuous chamber, the parts and finishing material continue to move in both an orbital path, and a circular linear path around the apparatus, as described previously. When the parts have been sufficiently finished, the separatory apparatus is inserted in the chamber and clamped to the side wall of the chamber 30, as shown in FIG. 7. As the mixture comprising the finishing material and parts reaches the mouth or entry port of the elevator duct 39, since a major portion of the mouth or entry port of the elevator duct is disposed in the extra-median zone of the chamber, the upward orbit motion forces the mixture into the tube and elevates it upwardly through the discharge or exit port at the top of duct 39, into the trough 40, and onto the screen 41. Here the finishing material falls through the screen and is returned to the finishing chamber, while the finished parts are discharged from the spout 42. The vibratory motion is continued until substantially all of the parts are discharged. A new load of parts may then be charged to the chamber, the separatory apparatus removed, and the finishing process started again. If desired, a lateral diaphragm may be attached to the lower end of the separatory apparatus or comprise a part of the wall of the elevator duct thereof, and such diaphragm Will ordinarily have an edge corresponding to the contour of the chamber housing into which inserted. Alternatively to a detachable discharge apparatus, the discharge apparatus may be fixed in position and the screen 41 hinged, retractable, or removable, thus to permit registry of said screen with an opening adjacent the discharge port at the upper end of the duct 39 for separation and parts discharge and non-registry of said screen with said opening to permit parts to fall through said opening for recycling.

A multistage finishing machine is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 comprising a plurality of annular chambers each similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The machine comprises a base 2a having a base plate 3a supported thereon by means of springs 4a and mounting plates 5a. Mounted on the base plate 3a are annular finishing chambers 44, 45 and 46 supported by a tubular frame member 47. Each finishing chamber is provided with a discharge assembly or separatory apparatus 48, 49, and 50, respectively. FIG. 10 illustrates the assembly 48 of the upper finishing chamber, which assembly comprises a vertical elevator tube 51, a screen 52, and a discharge duct 53. A diaphragm or bulkhead 53a may be provided in the finishing chamber in the embodiment shown in the drawings, but may be dispensed with if desired for certain applications. The discharge duct 53 leads to the charging zone of the finishing chamber 45, while the discharge duct 54 of the finishing chamber 45 leads to the charge zone of the finishing chamber 46. The finishing chamber 46 is provided with a discharge duct 55 terminating in a spout arranged to discharge the parts into a suitable receptacle or conveyance, not shown. Although the individual units are not shown, the discharge apparatus of the finishing chambers 45 and 46 are similar to that of the finishing chamber 44 described above. If the finishing chambers are slightly offset or are of slightly difierent diameters, with a narrower chamber above'a wider one, the discharge ducts 53 and 54 may take the form of a simple spout unless the parts to be finished are relatively frangible.

In operation, a coarse abrasive may be placed in the upper finishing chamber, a medium grade abrasive in the middle chamber, and a fine finishing material in the lowest chamber. The parts to be finished are introduced into the receiving zone of the upper finishing chamber 44. A vibratory motor having eccentric weights, similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and mounted within the frame member 47, is then set in motion, causing the apparatus to vibrate with a motion similar to that described previously. As a result, both orbital and linear motions are imposed upon the finishing mixture, causing the parts to be finished and the entire mixture to travel along the finishing chamber to the discharge zone. At this point, in a manner similar to that described above, the mixture is elevated to the separation zone, the finishing material is separated from the parts and returned to the receiving ZOne of the same chamber, and the parts are introduced into the duct 53 where they are transferred to the receiving zone of the second finishing chamber 45. At this point the parts undergo a finishing cycle with the medium grade finishing material. Upon reaching the discharge zone, the finishing material is separated from the parts and returned to the receiving zone, while the parts are introduced into the duct 54 and transferred into the receiving zone of the third finishing chamber. After a finishing cycle with fine finishing material, the finishing material is separated from the parts and returned to the receiving zone in the same manner as above, while the parts are forced into the duct 50 where they are discharged through trough 55 to a suitable receptacle or conveyance, not shown. By utilizing the above-described apparatus, parts may be introduced and subjected to several grades of finishing, e.g., abrading, deburring, burnishing, brightening, or combinations thereof, and subsequently discharged without the necessity for manual manipulation or stopping of the apparatus at any point of the process. Although the finishing chamber of the present invention has been shown and described in the several embodiments above in the form of an annular trough, other curvilinear figures may be used as long as the chamber remains substantially in a horizontal plane. For example, the trough may be elliptical, ovular, or asymmetrically curvilinear. Moreover, the finishing chamber may be provided in a form having two discontinuous ends. However, it is desirable that if a chamber having discontinuous ends is utilized, the ends be in proximity to each other so that the finishing material need not travel over an unduly long path to return to the starting zone from the discharge zone.

As the term generally is used herein in the specification and claims in conjunction with the description of the positioning of the lower end of the elevator duet in the extra-median zone of the finishing chamber, it signifies that a sufficient amount of the end of the duct should extend into the extra-median zone to produce an upward motion of the finishing mixture within the duct. Although the greatest upward force is produced when the entire duct is positioned within the extra-median zone, for many applications a sufiicient amount of upward force results if only a portion of the end of the duct is so positioned.

As is well known in the art, the production of linear motion and orbital motion in a mass confined in a chamber is dependent upon many factors, including the utilization of and the relative placement of eccentric weights, where such apparatus is employed. Moreover, the geometric relationship of the vibratory means including the motor and eccentric weights to the center of mass of the suspended apparatus is also a determining factor with regard to the nature of the motion imparted to the finishing mixture. Further important factors are the number of eccentric weights used, their relative positioning, their absolute mass, and their relative mass. Additionally, where two or more eccentric weights are utilized, their phase relationship is also a significant factor, particularly with regard to progression of the finishing mixture linearly along the finishing chamber, and to some degree with respect to the orbital motion of the mixture.

Normally, little difficulty is experienced in obtaining proper orbital motion of the finishing mixture using an apparatus such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Even a single eccentric weight when properly displaced from the center of mass of the suspended system will provide suitable orbital motion. The direction of orbital motion is generally the same, regardless of the direction of linear motion, that is, in a direction such that the material rises in the extra-median zone of the chamber or through and descends at the intramedian zone thereof. However, in order to provide progression of the mixture in a linear direction, and in order to be able to determine and establish the direction of progression, it is desirable to utilize at least two separate eccentric weights, one affixed to each end of the motor shaft, and to establish the proper phase relationship between the eccentric weights. The direction of linear motion depends upon whether the upper eccentric weight is displaced clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the lower weight. If the upper weight is displaced clockwise through an angle less than 180 degrees, the direction of linear motion is counterclockwise, regardless of the direction of rotation of the motor. When the upper weight is displaced counter-clockwise through an angle less than 180 degrees with respect to the lower weight, the direction of linear motion of the grinding mixture is clockwise, again regardless of the direction of motor rotation. The preferred positioning of the weights is about 45 degrees apart, either clockwise or counterclockwise. Normally, counter-clockwise rotation of the grinding mixture is desired, in which case the upper weight should be displaced about 45 degrees clockwise from the lower weight. Still other modes of variation may be used to impart the desirable linear and orbital motion to the finishing mixture and are well within the skill of the art.

Any suitable vibration generating means may be used in accord with the objects and apparatus of the present invention. In the drawings, a vibratory motor is shown as fixedly secured to a housing by means of a motor mounting bracket or the like. The vibration generating means may comprise any power means including an electric as well as a fluid motor, and may be of the rotary type, the

hydraulic type, the pneumatic type, or a prime mover. If the motor is of the rotary type, one or more conventional eccentric weights are ordinarily mounted to the motor shaft for generating orbital vibrations which are imparted to the housing. Alternatively, eccentric weights can be secured to a shaft mounted in the housing'and the motor operatively engaged with the eccentrics but not secured to the housing. Neither the motor nor the eccentrics need be secured to the housing but only operatively associated therewith, although it is preferred to have the vibrationgenerating means secured to the housing to be vibrated thereby.

It can be readily seen that the present invention provides a novel finishing machine wherein the parts and finishing medium are automatically transferred from the finishing chamber to a separation zone without the necessity for tilting or rotating the device or the finishing chamber thereof. The parts and finishing media are automatically separated, the parts discharged, and the finishing media returned to the starting point by the force of gravity. Moreover, various embodiments of the invention are suitable for either batch or continuous operation, as well as multiple stage continuous operation in which the need for interrupting the finishing process to transfer or introduce various grades of finishing material is eliminated.

For separation purposes, according to the invention, a screen or other foraminous member may be employed which may be, depending upon the apparatus utilized, either fixed in position, as illustrated by the drawings, or moveable into position. A magnetic separation means may be employed as well as a foraminous member, especially in those cases where the finishing material is non-metallic in nature and the parts being finished of a ferrous or other metal material subject to magnetic attraction.

When magnetic separation is employed, the foraminous member in the embodiments shown herein may be replaced partially throughout its length with a noninterfering plate, preferably of non-metallic material, to enable the magnetic separator, in the form of a vibratable bar or an endless belt or the like, to attract the metallic parts or work pieces as they pass over the plate, the non-metallic finishing material passing over the plate and falling off the end thereof into a suitable duct to be returned to a receiving zone for a further finishing cycle.

When a screen is used in a structure of the invention, other types of foraminous members may be substituted therefor and will be found equally operative. The term foraminous member as used herein denotes a member having openings or perforations for classification of parts and finishing media, for example, a grate or screen of any type illustratively having wires or rods either parallel or at an angle to each other, whether or not reticulated.

By finishing material or finishing media or medium, as these terms are used herein, it is intended to include loose, comminuted, granular, or particulate, and in any event, solid finishing materials of the type which are presently employed in the trade andany others of a similar nature. Although liquid finishing materials may be used in conjunction with the solid finishing material, these are considered. to be ancillary for purposes of the present invention which in all cases employs at least some solid finishing medium for the process of the invention. Moreover, the terms first set forth in its paragraph are used herein generally to designate such solid materials which areused to impart all types of finishes including those finishes acquired with abrading materials as well as with polishing materials, and polishing is to be considered in its usual sense as one species of finishing.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, or exact materials or embodiments shown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and the invention is therefore to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber, an elevator duct mounted in said housing having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extramedian Zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with said discharge port for separating said finishing material from said part and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part.

2. A finishing machine according to claim ll wherein said elevator duct comprises a tube.

3. A fiinishing machine according to claim 1 wherein said elevator duct comprises a vertically oriented tube.

4. A finishing machine according to claim 1 wherein said elevator duct comprises a tube having a rectangular cross-section.

5'. A finishing machine according to claim 1 wherein said housing comprises a trough, the bottom of which has an arcuate cross-section.

6. A finishing machine according to claim 1 wherein said means for separating said finishing material comprises a foraminous member having a mesh size adapted for passing said finishing material but retaining said part.

7. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented annular finishing chamber, an elevator duct mounted in said housing having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with said discharge port for separating said finishing material from said part and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part.

8. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber, a transverse vertical diaphragm mounted in said housing defining a starting zone on one side and a discharge zone on the other, an elevator duct mounted in said discharge zone at said diaphragm having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with said discharge port for separating said finishing material from said part and returning said finishing material to the starting zone of said chamber, and means for discharging said part.

9. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber, an elevator duct mounted in said housing having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, vibratory means operatively associated with said housing comprising a motor positioned with its shaft oriented generally vertically and carrying eccentric weights for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extramedian zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with said discharge port for separating said finishing material from said part and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part.

10. A finishing machine according to claim 9 wherein said eccentric weights are out of phase with each other.

11. A finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented annular finishing chamber, a transverse vertical diaphragm mounted in said housing defining a starting zone on one side and a discharge zone on the other, an elevator duct mounted in said discharge zone at said diaphragm having an entry port at one end positioned at .a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, vibratory means operatively associated with said housing comprising a motor positioned with its shaft oriented generally vertically and carrying eccentric weights in out-of-phase relationship for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extramedian zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to. rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with said discharge port for separating said finishing material from said part and for return of said finishing material to said chamber by means of gravity, and means for discharging said part.

12. A continuous operation finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber, a materials discharge assembly mounted in said housing comprising an elevator duct having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of the said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from a finishing material used in conjunction therewith and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part, and vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct for said separation and discharge, said discharge assembly having a part recycling position and a part separation and discharge position.

13. A finishing machine according to claim 12 wherein said elevator duct comprises a tube.

14. A finishing machine according to claim 12 wherein said elevator duct comprises a vertically oriented tube.

15. A finishing machine according to claim 12 wherein said elevator duct comprises a tube having a rectangular cross-section and said housing comprises a trough, the bottom of which has an arcuate cross-section.

16. A finishing machine according to claim 12 wherein said means for separating said finishing material comprises a foraminous member having a mesh size adapted for passing said finishing material but retaining said part.

17. A finishing machine according to claim 12 wherein said discharge assembly is afiixed to said housing and wherein the separating means comprises an opening adjacent said discharge port and a foraminous member in registry with said opening for separation and part discharge and adapted to be removed from registry with said opening to permit part recycling.

18. A continuous operation finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented annular finishing chamber, a demountable discharge assembly mounted in said housing comprising an elevator duct having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of the said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from a finishing material used in conjunction therewith and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part, and vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct for said separation and discharge.

19. A continuous operation finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber, a demountable discharge assembly mounted in said housing comprising an elevator duct having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of the said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from a finishing material used in conjunction therewith and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part, and vibratory means operatively associated with said housing comprising a motor positioned with its shaft oriented generally vertically and carrying eccentric weights for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct to said separating and discharging means.

20. A finishing machine according to claim 19 wherein said eccentric weights are out of phase with each other.

21. A continuous operation finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented annular finishing chamber, a demountable discharge assembly mounted in said housing comprising an elevator duct having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of the said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from a finishing material used in conjunction therewith and returning said finishing material to said chamber by means of gravity, and means for discharging said part, and vibratory means operatively associated with said housing comprising a motor positioned with its shaft oriented generally vertically and carrying eccentric weights in out-of-phase relationship for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an obital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct to said separating and discharging means.

22. A multiple stage finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a plurality of substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chambers in vertically stacked arrangement, an elevator duct mounted in each of said chambers having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture in each chamber comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chambers and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zones of said chambers and a downward direction in the intra-median zones thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with each of said discharge ports for separating said finishing material from said part and returning said finishing material to each of said respective chambers, means associated with each of said chambers except the lower-most for transferring said part to the chamber immediately below,

and means associated with said lowermost chamber for discharging said part.

23. A finishing machine according to claim 22 wherein each of said elevator ducts comprises a tube.

24. A finishing machine according to claim 22 wherein each of said elevator ducts comprises a vertically oriented tube.

25. A finishing machine according to claim 22 wherein each of said elevator duets comprises a tube havin a rectangular cross-section.

26. A finishing machine according to claim 22 wherein said housing comprises a plurality of troughs, the bottom of each of which has an arcuate cross-section.

27. A finishing machine according to claim 22 wherein each of said means for separating said finishing material comprises a foraminous member having a mesh size adapted for passing said finishing material but retaining said part.

28. A multiple stage finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a plurality of substantially horizontally oriented annular finishing chambers in vertically stacked arrangement, an elevator duct mounted in each of said chambers having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, vibrator means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture in each chamber comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chambers and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zones of said chambers and a downward direction in the intra-median zones thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with each of said discharge ports for separating said finishing material from said part and returning said finishing material to each of said respective chambers, duct means as sociated with each of said chambers except the lowermost for transferring said part to the chamber immediately below, and means associated with said lowermost chamber for discharging said part.

29. A multiple stage finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a plurality of substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chambers in vertically stacked arrangement, each of said chambers having a transverse vertical diaphragm mounted therein defining a starting zone on one side and a discharge zone on the other, an elevator duct mounted in said discharge zone at said diaphragm having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture in each chamber comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chambers and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zones of said chambers and a downward direction in the intra-median zones thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with each of said discharge ports for separating said finishing material from said part and returning said finishing material to each of said respective chambers, duct means associated with each of said chambers except the lowermost for transferring said part to the chamber immediately below, and means associated with said lowermost chamber for discharging said part.

30. A multiple stage finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a plurality of substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chambers in vertically stacked arrangement, an elevator duct mounted in each of said chambers having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, vibratory means operatively associated with said housing comprising a motor positioned with its shaft oriented generally vertically and carrying eccentric weights for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chambers and subjecting said mixture to orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zones of said chambers and a downward direction in the intra-median zones thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with each of said discharge ports for separating said finishing material from said part and for return of said finishing material to each of said respective chambers, duct means associated with each of said chambers except the lowermost for transferring said part to the chamber immediately below, and means associated with said lowermost chamber for discharging said part.

31. A finishing machine according to claim 30 wherein said eccentric weights are out of phase with each other.

32. A multiple stage finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a plurality of substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chambers in vertically stacked arrangement, each of said chambers having a transverse vertical diaphragm mounted therein defining a starting zone on one side and a discharge zone on the other, an elevator duct mounted in said discharge zone at said diaphragm having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, vibratory means operatively associated with said housing comprising a motor positioned with its shaft oriented generally vertically and carrying eccentric weights in out-of-phase relationship for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chambers and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zones of said chambers and a downward direction in the intra-median zones thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with each of said discharge ports for separating said finishing material from said part and for return of said finishing material to each of said respective chambers by means of gravity, duct means associated with each of said chambers except the lowermost for transferring said part to the chamber immediately below by means of gravity, and means associated with said lowermost chamber for discharging said part.

33. A housing for a vibratory finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part adapted to be mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber, an elevator duct mounted in said housing having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, said housing being adapted to be vibrated when mounted for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extramedian zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with said discharge port for separating said finishing material from said part and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part.

34. A housing for a vibratory continuous operation finishing machine for [finishing the surface of a part adapted to be mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber, a demountable discharge assembly mounted in said housing comprising an elevator duct having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of the said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, means associated 'with said discharge port for separating said part from a finishing material used in conjunction therewith and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part, said housing being adapted to be vibrated when mounted for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct for said separation and discharge.

35. A housing for vibratory multiple stage finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part adapted to be mounted for vibration defining a plurality of substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chambers in vertically stacked arrangement, an elevator duct mounted in each of said chambers having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, said housing being adapted to be vibrated when mounted for subjecting a mixture in each chamber comp-rising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chambers and subjecting said mixture to orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zones of said chambers and a downward direction in the intra-median zones thereof for finishing of said part and to cause said mixture to rise vertically in said elevator duct, means associated with each of said discharge ports for separating said finishing material from said part and returning said finishing material to each of said respective chambers, duct means associated with each of said chambers except the lowermost for transferring said part to the chamber immediately below, and means associated with said lowermost chamber for discharging said part.

36. A discharge apparatus designed for use in conjunction with a finishing machine designed for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber and having vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part, said discharge apparatus comprising an elevator duct having an entry port at one end adapted to be positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from said finishing material and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part.

37. A discharge apparatus designed for use in conjunction with a finishing machine designed for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber and having vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-modian zone thereof for finishing of said part, said discharge apparatus comprising means for being detachably mounted on said housing, an elevator duct having an entry port at one end adapted to be positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from said finishing material and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part.

38. A discharge apparatus designed for use in conjunction with a finishing machine designed for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber and having vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part, said discharge apparatus comprising diaphragm means adapted to be disposed transversely in said chamber, an elevator duct having an entry port at one end adapted to be positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from said finishing material and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part.

39. A discharge apparatus designed for use in conjunction with a finishing machine designed for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber and having vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for subjecting a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to vibration causing said mixture to travel linearly along said chamber and undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber and a downward direction in the intra-median zone thereof for finishing of said part, said discharge apparatus comprising means for being detachably mounted on' said housing, diaphragm means adapted to be disposed transversely in said chamber, an elevator duct having an entry port at one end adapted to be positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from said finishing material and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and means for discharging said part.

40. A discharge apparatus mounted in a finishing machine for finishing the surface of apart comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially hori- ZOn'tally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber and having vibratory means operatively associated with said housing, said discharge apparatus comprising a vertical diaphragm transversely mounted in said housing defining a starting zone on one side and adischarge zone on the other, an elevator duct mounted in said discharge zone at said diaphragm having an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, foraminous means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from a finishing material used in conjunction therewith and returning said finishing material to said starting zone, and a duct connected to said foraminous means for discharging said part.

A discharge apparatus adapted to be detachably mounted in a finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber and having vibratory means operatively associated with said housing, said discharge apparatus comprising a vertical diaphragm 'adapted to be transversely mounted in said housing defining a starting zone on one side and a discharge zone on the other, an elevator duct adapted to be mounted in said discharge zone at said diaphragm having an entry port at one end adapted to be positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port adapted to be positioned at an upper level, foraminous means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from a finishing material used in conjunction therewith and returning said finishing material to said starting zone, and a duct connected to said foraminous means for discharging said part.

42. A discharge apparatus mounted in a finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber and having vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for causing a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extra-median zone of said chamber, said discharge apparatus comprising an elevator duct having 'an entry port at one end positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port positioned at an upper level, foraminous means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from said finishing material used in conjunction therewith and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and a duct connected to said foraminous means for discharging said part.

43. A discharge apparatus adapted to be detachably mounted in a finishing machine for finishing the surface of a part comprising a housing mounted for vibration defining a substantially horizontally oriented curvilinear finishing chamber and having vibratory means operatively associated with said housing for causing a mixture comprising said part and a finishing material to undergo an orbital motion having an upward direction in the extramedian zone of said chamber, said discharge apparatus comprising an elevator duct having an entry port at one end adapted to be positioned at a lower level and generally in the extra-median zone of said chamber and terminating in a discharge port adapted to be positioned at an upper level, foraminous means associated with said discharge port for separating said part from said finishing material used in conjunction therewith and returning said finishing material to said chamber, and a duct connected to said foraminous means for discharging said part.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Linke 241l70 X Weyandt 198-220 Carrier 198220 X Mickus 198220 X Balz 51-163 0 HAROLD D. WHITEHEAD, Primary Examiner. 

